I have always known from the beginning that wood dust was a bad deal, this can be proven by the fact that there are so many videos on dust collection. The fact also that hand tool proponents mention that hand tools do not make the fine dust like power machines. But I was listening to a podcast (the avidwoodworker) and while talking about dust collection he dropped that wood dust can cause cancer.

I had never heard that, in fact it took me aback and I had to do some research. I have to be honest while I haven’t had a lot of time to look I am not seeing a lot of information on dust causing cancer. Is this a “understood” part of woodworking that I am just coming to?

I have slowly been more and more moving toward hand tools and I think this definitely doesn’t hurt that. Will this result in eventually the implication of laws requiring dust collection in home shops?

-- so a bear and a rabbit are sitting on a log

22 replies so far

Yes, fine sawdust is classified as a carcinogen. So are most chemical solvents, coal dust etc. etc. etc. I read one study that found barbequed food caused cancer, although the study was severely flawed.

I think double protection is the best bet. Use a D.C. and wear a dust mask / respirator. Laws are usually geared toward protecting employees of companies. If this does become more regulated, I doubt it will affect hobby shops except perhaps improved D.C. technology.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush

Here is an excerpt:“First, let’s look at the study. Researchers evaluated individuals who were exposed to sawdust and wood dust on the job in a sawmill. In this setting, exposure to wood dust was associated with a 50% increased risk of developing lung cancer.

These researchers also looked at people who had exposure to sawdust and wood dust as a hobby. In this setting they found no increased risk of developing lung cancer.”

Nothing at all wrong with wearing a mask if you feel better safe than sorry.

I’m a big believer in working safely, and have spent many hours and dollars finding the ear, eye, skin, and respiratory protection that works best for me, and the usage that I feel helps protect me without destroying the experience.

However, remember that the level of exposure is often key, and that level varies, depending on the irritant. Nearly everything causes cancer or illness at some level. As Don pointed out above, constant exposure to chemicals or dust in an occupational setting is far different than hobby exposure.

I would agree with the hobbyists the risk is very minimal to develop cancer from dust…but that doesn’t reduce the need for DC. The respiratory problems you can develop are not good either, and to me good DC is one of the more important things to have. Regardless, it’s hard to predict what large groups of not-so-bright people will do but I’d guess that requiring DC in a home shop isn’t anywhere on the horizon.

For me, after 42 years of this part-time, I find that the respiratory issues are more of a concern to me than the cancer thing. The winter is the worst for me, when I cannot open my big door and have my 24” fans aiming out the door to help move those micronic (is that even a word?) fines out the door before they can slip past my dust mask. I think if I had to go to a canister mask full time I might just hang up my tools. I do know that my Grizzly ceiling mounted dust collectors do NOT pull out the finest of fines, and if I let the filters clog, it seems to pass more. I cannot see it, but if I run them I can feel it in my sinuses in just minutes. Time to clean the filters!

Planer sits in front of a 4’ door i start in from inside the shop and recieve it outside. After spending about 4 hrs running walnut thru the planer yesterday. i woke up this morning with a sinus headace, nose running etc. Must have been the cold? Afterthought i should have wore a mask, too late done. I’ll learn one of these days.

I am no Dr. BUT….I am a believer that our bodies have the ability to heal and cure ourselves, we have nasal hairs that will stop dust from entering our bodies, we have immune systems that will heal invading virus and such. With all that said, moderation. You need time to give your body time to re-heal.

With that said…...Our bodies will only absorb certain chemicals and vitamins, some pass through us, others like Vitamin A,D & E mercury, and fibers like asbestos will attach and build up within us. These may cause other issues.Some people have reactions to some hardwoods which cause reactions as well.

Well, actually, EVERYTHING is a carcinogen. We know this because of all of the things that have been tested on white mice. But the latest find is WHITE MICE are a carcinogen. :) I remember a few years ago when Jackie (Kennedy) Onassis found she had cancer and lamented the did all of the right things. She exercised, ate healthy foods, watched her weight, etc. Why did she come down with cancer! All of this makes me just go about my business with the knowledge that eventually death is inevitable.

Planeman

-- Always remember: It is a mathematical certainty that half the people in this country are below average in intelligence!

Friend of mine who does woodworking for a living developed cancer this last year. Doctor said it was from all the sawdust. Here’s a quick tip Get some “AYR” nasal gel. Put a little bit in the nose before the dusty jobs. Then you can honk your beak when your done. Seem to collect quite a bit of the bad stuff.

Wood dust is very dangerous for health. I use full protection while creating any object with wood. Before using my tools I always wear a dust mask because I have allergy from the dust so protection is important for me.